FloridaSelected Statutes & RegulationsAffecting Confidentiality

A. LEGAL PROTECTIONS OF CONFIDENTIALITY

I. Non-Disclosure Laws
394.4615 – Confidentiality of Records Must Be Maintained in Mental Health Treatment Facilities
490.009(1)(u) – Failure to Maintain Confidentiality = Grounds for Professional Discipline
490.0147(1) – Confidentiality & Privilege – Disclose Only With Written Consent
491.009(1)(u) – Failure to Maintain Confidentiality = Grounds for Professional Discipline
491.0147(1) – Confidentiality & Privilege – Disclose Only With Written Consent
64B4-5 – 5.001 – Disciplinary Actions for Breach of Confidentiality  (Licensees under §491)
64B19-17.002 – Disciplinary Actions for Breach of Confidentiality (Licensees under §490)
64B19-19.006(1; 4) – Confidentiality – Disclose Voluntarily Only With Written Consent. 

 
II. Privilege Laws 
90.503 – Psychotherapist-patient privilege — Protects Client/Patient Info in Court Proceedings

B. POTENTIAL LEGAL LIMITATIONS OF CONFIDENTIALITY

 I. Laws Requiring Providers to Disclose Confidential Information
 39.201 – Mandatory reporting of child abuse, abandonment, or neglect
415.1034 – Mandatory reporting of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of vulnerable adults
456.063(3) – Mandatory reporting of allegations of provider sexual misconduct

  
II. Laws Permitting Release of Confidential Information Without Patient Consent
394.4615 – Legally-Allowed Disclosure of Records of Patients in Mental Health Facilities
456.061 – Allowed Disclosure of Information re: HIV Status to Sexual Partner or Needle Sharer
490.0147 – Legally-Allowed Exceptions to Confidentiality
           If Provider Obtains Consent in Writing From Client(s)/Paient(s)
           If Client/Patient Brings Complaint Against Provider (civil/criminal/ disciplinary)
           If Patient Presents Danger to Self or Others 
491.0147 – Legally-Allowed Exceptions to Confidentiality
           If Provider Obtains Consent in Writing From Client(s)/Patient(s) 
           If Client/Patient Brings Complaint Against Provider (civil/criminal/ disciplinary) 
           If Patient Presents Danger to Self or Others 
64B19-19.006 – Legally-Allowed Exceptions to Confidentiality 
           If Non-Disclosure Would Violate the Law 
           If Patient Presents Danger to Self or Others 
           If Client/Patient is Minor or Incapacitated Adult, May Disclose to Parent/Guardian

III. Exceptions to Privileged Communications
90.503 – There is No Privilege Protection 
          In Involuntary Commitment Proceeding When Need for Hospitalization Determined 
          If Provider Conducted Court-Ordered Examination of  Mental or Emotional Condition
          If Client/Patient Brings Own Mental Condition Into Issue in the Court Case 
39.204 – Abrogation of privileged communications in cases re: child abuse/neglect 
415.1045 – Abrogation of privileged communications in cases re: abuse of vulnerable adult 
490.0147 – Privilege is Waived: 
           If Provider Obtains Consent in Writing From Client(s)/Patient(s) 
           If Client/Patient Brings Complaint Against Provider (civil/criminal/ disciplinary) 
           If Patient Presents Danger to Self or Others 
491.0147 – Privilege is Waived: 
           If Provider Obtains Consent in Writing From Client(s)/Patient(s) 
           If Client/Patient Brings Complaint Against Provider (civil/criminal/ disciplinary) 
           If Patient Presents Danger to Self or Others

IV. Other Laws Allowing Access to Client/Patient Information
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C.  LEGAL REQUIREMENT TO 
INFORM PROSPECTIVE CLIENT/PATIENT ABOUT
LIMITS OF CONFIDENTIALITY

456.061 (1)(b) – Practitioner Disclosure of Specific Information
           Inform Positive HIV Patient If You Intend to Notify Sexual Partner or Needle Sharer

64B19-18.007(2)(c)  – Forensic Evaluators in Court-Ordered Custody Evaluations
           Inform Parent or Guardian & Verify This Notification of Limits of Confidentiality 
64B19-19.006(1; 2) – Confidentiality 
           Inform Client/Patient of Limitations on the Maintenance of Confidentiality 
           If in hospital/agency/institution, inform patient if others have access to records 
           In evaluations conducted for third parties, inform who will have access to info 
           In supervision relationships, inform of this breach of confidentiality 
           Obtain & retain statement acknowledging that this notification was received

 D.  LEGAL REQUIREMENTS RELEVANT TO
STAFF TRAINING

64B19-19.006(5) – Ensure That No Staff Member Violates Confidentiality